"I am sorry to say that sometimes matters of very small importance waste a good deal of precious time, by the long and repeated speeches and chicanery of gentlemen who will not wholly throw off the lawyer even in Congress"

This quote by William Whipple is referring to the tendency of some members of Congress to utilize verbose speeches and legal jargon to discuss matters of little importance. He is expressing his disappointment with the quantity of time wasted on such matters, which might be better invested in more crucial issues. He is also suggesting that some members of Congress are unable to leave their legal backgrounds behind when they get in the political arena. This quote is a suggestion that members of Congress ought to focus on the crucial problems and not get slowed down in petty disputes. It is a reminder that time is precious and should not be squandered on matters of little importance.